Amir Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani
Gharaei Ashtiani in 2021
Native name	محمدرضا قرایی آشتیانی
Born	c. 1960 (age 63–64) Tehran, Pahlavi Iran
Allegiance	Iran
Service/branch	Ground Force
Years of service	1980–present
Rank	General
Unit	23rd Takavar Division Imam Ali Officers' Academy
Battles/wars	Kurdish rebellion Iran–Iraq War
Minister of Defence
Incumbent
Assumed office 25 August 2021
President	Ebrahim Raisi
Preceded by	Amir Hatami
Personal details
Alma mater	Imam Ali Officers' Academy AJA University of Command and Staff Supreme National Defense University

Mohammad-Reza Gharaei Ashtiani (Persian: محمدرضا قرایی آشتیانی) is a member of the Iranian military with the rank of Brigadier General who has served as the minister of defence since 2021.^[1] Ashtiani was sworn in on August 25, 2021, replacing Brigadier General Amir Hatami who held role since 2017.

Military career

Ashtiani was promoted to the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran (Artesh) on July 2, 2019, following a decree by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ashtiani replaced Major General Ataollah Salehi.

He was chosen to be the Minister of Defense by President Ebrahim Raisi and then was approved for the position and took office on August 25, 2021.^{[citation needed]}

Defense Minister

Ashtiani’s selection for the position was favored by outgoing minister Amir Hatami who called Ashtiani the “best candidate” for position.

Ashtiani also said that he would prioritize exporting various defense products to other countries around the world.